Remembering José A. Seijas: A Legendary Figure in the World of Cigars (1950–2024)

The cigar world mourns the loss of José A. Seijas, an industry pioneer and visionary. Known for his ground-breaking work at Tabacalera de Garcia and Matilde Cigars, Seijas passed away on November 6, 2024, at the age of 74.

A Life Devoted to Tobacco
Born on September 28, 1950, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Seijas, affectionately called “Josechu” by those close to him, dedicated his life to the cigar industry. Instead of following his father into politics, he pursued industrial engineering and soon found his calling in the world of cigars. At 24, he joined Tabacalera de Garcia Ltd., the largest cigar factory globally at the time, where he initially focused on quality control and crop analysis. His role became transformative in 1984 when he turned the factory into a full-scale operation for rolling handmade premium cigars. Under his leadership, Tabacalera de Garcia became a major force, producing up to 60 million cigars a year, including iconic brands like Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann.

Building a Legacy Beyond Tabacalera
Seijas’ contributions continued to expand the premium cigar world. Though he retired in 2012, his passion endured as he founded Matilde Cigars in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a brand his son Enrique now runs. Seijas’ influence on the industry was immense, and his innovations still resonate today. His work was formally recognised in 2012 when he was inducted into the Cigar Aficionado Hall of Fame, a tribute to his enduring impact on premium cigars.

A Lasting Impact
José A. Seijas is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his warmth and respect among peers. He leaves behind his wife, Carmen, his three children, and six grandchildren. His legacy endures in every cigar crafted with the same passion he instilled throughout his illustrious career.

photo from Matilde Facebook